More seasoning benefits Sox's Sanchez

December 05, 2012|By Mark Gonzales | Tribune reporter

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Chicago White Sox were willing to carry 23-year-old Eduardo Escobar on their 2012 opening day roster as a backup infielder despite his youth and lack of major league experience.

That won't be the case, however, with 20-year-old Carlos Sanchez.

General manager Rick Hahn said Wednesday he will continue to look for infield backup help from a pool of major league and minor league free agents.

"As we currently line up today with players under White Sox control, you got a guy like Sanchez is a candidate, and (Tyler) Saladino is a candidate," Hahn said. "Both, in the long run, will be much better served in Charlotte, getting at-bats on a daily basis instead of in a utility role in the big leagues. They're options right now, but that’s an area that needs to be addressed.”

Sanchez made the leap from Class-A to Triple-A and played in the Futures Game, a showcase of the top minor league talent. But the Sox don't want to stunt the growth of Sanchez, who could eventually take over at shortstop or second base.

“We’d have to talk about that come (spring training), and we’re way ahead of ourselves with that one," Hahn said. "Probably the best thing for this kid’s development is to get more at-bats at Triple-A.”

Last spring, Saladino was promoted to the major league camp. But he batted only .237 in 112 games at Double-A Birmingham and .224 in 15 games at Triple-A Charlotte.